Master Gardener Volunteers of Cortland County

04/19/2024

04/19/2024

Using low-till and no-till methods will restore your soil’s physical characteristics, or tilth, and
promote carbon storage and a healthy soil ecosystem. Common techniques include
broadforking and double-digging to break up heavy soil, and tarping with durable plastic on the
soil surface to kill weeds and unneeded cover crops. Sheet mulching and hugelkultur, or
planting mounds from decaying wood and other materials, will boost organic matter.

03/26/2024

It’s go time in the garden! Springtime is for adding fertility where it’s needed, and getting ready
for planting! As the aboveground parts of the natural world awaken, there are many things you
can do to turn your garden landscape into a resilient and productive environment. These steps
will keep your garden healthy and thriving for the rest of the growing season.

03/26/2024

Overwintering insects need winter cover. Leave the hollow stems of late blooming perennials for
beneficial invertebrates to use as a cozy home for winter. Rocks, sticks, piles of leaves, and
other “messy” parts of the garden also provide habitat for beneficials that will be allies in our
garden come spring. Save most garden cleanup until daytime temperatures consistently reach
50°F.

02/22/2024

Pruning reduces pests and diseases while maximizing fruit production. As the days lengthen,
prune your fruit trees and cane berries as instructed for that variety before buds begin to swell in
early spring. Compost all fallen fruit and prunings in another location.

02/08/2024

Providing food and habitat encourages birds to forage and take shelter in your garden. Leave
the seeds of late blooming perennials for our feathered friends to eat. Overwintering resident
species and birds passing through on their migration will appreciate winter berries and habitat
from evergreen and deciduous shrubs of varying heights.

01/25/2024

Winter is time for record keeping, resource gathering, and reflection. Maximize your success with ecological site planning. With the “right plant, right place” approach, you’ll place plants in
their ideal location and your garden landscape will thrive and provide abundance and habitat in a changing climate.

11/29/2023

If you are into gardening and live in or near Cortland County, NY

10/16/2023

The MGVs of CC are trained volunteers who work in partnership with CCE to expand educational outreach

10/16/2023

Upcoming Master Gardener Volunteer training.
Join a great group of MGVs in Cortland County! Please like and share!

The MGVs of CC are trained volunteers who work in partnership with CCE to expand educational outreach